-
It's that time of year again - our ISP is asking for money. If you have some spare change, please click the Donate link... Thanks!
- About Us
- Search
- Need Help?
- Donate
- Login/Register
Latest Entries
Actions Menu
Blog Roll
- 4F Facebook Page
- Turn Up The Night with Kenny Pick
- Stephanie Miller Show
- The Tim Corrimal Show
- The Rachel Maddow Show
- Angry Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
- Thom Hartmann Program
- Turnips! Fans of Turn Up the Night Facebook Page
- Snopes.com
- Factcheck.org
- Official White House Page, if you must.
- The Brad Blog / Green News Report
- The Poorly Written Political Blog (Joe Santorsa)
Enthusiastic Monday
Author: Raine
Date: 05/07/2012 13:10:25
Good Morning and welcome to a new week. Over the weekend, in what has been touted as officially the beginning of his campaign, President Obama had rallies in Ohio and Virginia. Mitt Romeny surrogates and conservatives have made the claim that Obama is experiencing an enthusiasm gap with his supporters. The reason? He's not filling up arenas.
In this particular case, it all started with a tweet and photo: Conservative website Big Government website picked up on this one: On cue, conservative meme is re-born. A Romney spokesperson said that this happened during the President's speech in Ohio.
It's not just pundits and conservatives, there was a question about it from Jake Tapper who was hosting "This Week" on Sunday: One more thing -- This is a picture from Ohio DURING the appearance:
In some circles this isn't only misinformation, but rather, a lie. It is a lie that was further perpetuated by people like Jake Tapper, who is legitimately part of the mainstream media. He is a reporter, and while he was asking his question as a host of a pundit show, it was strange that he was mirroring the message that Romney's camp had put out there and further catapulted by Andrew Brietbart's Big Government website. He may be gone, but his surrogates are willing to sling mud to the point when it becomes a mainstream media talking point, even when it is based on deceptive information. Telling people that there isn't enthusiasm is a perfect way to suppress enthusiasm. Consider a difference in the expectations of President Obama: oh, he ONLY got 14,000 people instead of 18,000. No one seems to be talking about the turnout at Romney campaign appearances. It's not about size or even sour grapes -- it is about telling truth and being intellectually honest. Voter enthusiasm is a legitimate debate topic. The way that it is being framed, and the circles from where it is originating is something else that should be discussed. This is where I have a problem.
Just to visualize what David Axelrod was speaking to, let's take a looks at what happened in Virginia this past week. This was taken in the Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia during an Obama appearance.
Could be a serious enthusiasm gap, right? Compare to Mitt Romney's appearing in Portsmouth, Virginia last week:
Why isn't the Romney campaign being asked the kind of questions the Obama campaign is asked? Is it different expectations? Perhaps, but the reality is this: Fourteen thousand people is a lot of people no matter how you spin it.
Fired up? Ready to go? Let's go
and 
Raine
In this particular case, it all started with a tweet and photo:
RyanGOP View from floor during @BarackObama speech. Not the "overflow" crowd he promised http://tinyurl.com/7fcozsu #not2008anymore http://pic.twitter.com/ULNSIB4J
Barack Obama launched his campaign in unspectacular fashion today at Ohio State University, the largest college in the crucial swing state. A photo posted to twitter by Mitt Romney's campaign spokesman Ryan Williams reveals sparse attendance. The above image, according to Williams, was taken during the President's first official campaign speech.
It's not just pundits and conservatives, there was a question about it from Jake Tapper who was hosting "This Week" on Sunday:
TAPPER: One of the issues that you guys are going to be facing, one of the headwinds is the lack of enthusiasm, or at least less enthusiasm. When I covered you guys, your campaign in 2007, 2008, you would — you and your staff members would excitedly regale us with the huge numbers of crowds, crowd estimates. At OSU, at Ohio State yesterday, in a stadium that seats about 18,000, there were roughly 14,000 people there. Now, granted, those 14,000 were very excited. They supported the president. But there were still more than 4,000 empty seats. Doesn’t that indicate that there is a problem you’re facing when it comes to fewer people who are excited about the president?
AXELROD: Jake, you should have gone along on the whole trip. In Virginia, there was an overflow crowd. And that’s the way it is. But the fact is that 14,000 is 11,000 more than the largest crowd that Mitt Romney has ever drawn.
In some circles this isn't only misinformation, but rather, a lie. It is a lie that was further perpetuated by people like Jake Tapper, who is legitimately part of the mainstream media. He is a reporter, and while he was asking his question as a host of a pundit show, it was strange that he was mirroring the message that Romney's camp had put out there and further catapulted by Andrew Brietbart's Big Government website. He may be gone, but his surrogates are willing to sling mud to the point when it becomes a mainstream media talking point, even when it is based on deceptive information. Telling people that there isn't enthusiasm is a perfect way to suppress enthusiasm. Consider a difference in the expectations of President Obama: oh, he ONLY got 14,000 people instead of 18,000. No one seems to be talking about the turnout at Romney campaign appearances. It's not about size or even sour grapes -- it is about telling truth and being intellectually honest. Voter enthusiasm is a legitimate debate topic. The way that it is being framed, and the circles from where it is originating is something else that should be discussed. This is where I have a problem.
Just to visualize what David Axelrod was speaking to, let's take a looks at what happened in Virginia this past week. This was taken in the Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia during an Obama appearance.
Could be a serious enthusiasm gap, right? Compare to Mitt Romney's appearing in Portsmouth, Virginia last week:
Why isn't the Romney campaign being asked the kind of questions the Obama campaign is asked? Is it different expectations? Perhaps, but the reality is this: Fourteen thousand people is a lot of people no matter how you spin it.
Fired up? Ready to go? Let's go
and Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 05/07/2012 13:12:40
wickedpam on 05/07/2012 13:12:40
Morning 
Comment by 
clintster on 05/07/2012 13:20:49
clintster on 05/07/2012 13:20:49
Morning everybody.
So, I'm watching Momma on the teevee, and I hear that she's broken up with Lisa. Damn. There's a lot of that going around, it seems.
So, I'm watching Momma on the teevee, and I hear that she's broken up with Lisa. Damn. There's a lot of that going around, it seems.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 05/07/2012 14:12:17
Scoopster on 05/07/2012 14:12:17
Mornin' all.. 
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 05/07/2012 14:45:54
Mondobubba on 05/07/2012 14:45:54
Morning mon peeps.
Comment by Scoopster on 05/07/2012 14:56:51
Scoopster on 05/07/2012 14:56:51
Comment by 
Raine on 05/07/2012 15:00:56
Raine on 05/07/2012 15:00:56
HEy everyone! I have totally re-written todays blog. PLease do take a re-read? (this time there is stuff to read about.)
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 15:02:44
I kinda thought there was a problem when she mentioned last week that the cats had to go back to Lisa's house. Momma said that she was just TOO allergic to them.
I know Randi broke up with the Howard a few weeks ago too.
I hope they all are ok with it.
Raine on 05/07/2012 15:02:44
Quote by clintster:
Morning everybody.
So, I'm watching Momma on the teevee, and I hear that she's broken up with Lisa. Damn. There's a lot of that going around, it seems.
I know Randi broke up with the Howard a few weeks ago too.
I hope they all are ok with it.
Comment by Scoopster on 05/07/2012 15:12:50
Maybe Momma & Randi should hook up?
Scoopster on 05/07/2012 15:12:50
Quote by Raine:I kinda thought there was a problem when she mentioned last week that the cats had to go back to Lisa's house. Momma said that she was just TOO allergic to them.Quote by clintster:
Morning everybody.
So, I'm watching Momma on the teevee, and I hear that she's broken up with Lisa. Damn. There's a lot of that going around, it seems.
I know Randi broke up with the Howard a few weeks ago too.
Maybe Momma & Randi should hook up?
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 15:22:01
Randi shot Momma down on that one already.
Raine on 05/07/2012 15:22:01
Quote by Scoopster:
Maybe Momma & Randi should hook up?
Randi shot Momma down on that one already.
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/07/2012 15:28:06
Admit it Scoop this is why, right?
Mondobubba on 05/07/2012 15:28:06
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:I kinda thought there was a problem when she mentioned last week that the cats had to go back to Lisa's house. Momma said that she was just TOO allergic to them.Quote by clintster:
Morning everybody.
So, I'm watching Momma on the teevee, and I hear that she's broken up with Lisa. Damn. There's a lot of that going around, it seems.
I know Randi broke up with the Howard a few weeks ago too.
Maybe Momma & Randi should hook up?
Admit it Scoop this is why, right?
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 15:36:11
Raine on 05/07/2012 15:36:11
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/07/2012 15:46:02
2012 the year of the Pee Wee Herman comeback from the GOP.
Mondobubba on 05/07/2012 15:46:02
Quote by Raine:
2012 the year of the Pee Wee Herman comeback from the GOP.
Comment by 
BobR on 05/07/2012 15:48:04
to be fully-meme-compliant, that should be "what a looser"
BobR on 05/07/2012 15:48:04
Quote by Raine:
to be fully-meme-compliant, that should be "what a looser"
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 16:06:58
Raine on 05/07/2012 16:06:58
In case I appeared to be unfair in the blog photos this morning, I was able to find another picture from the Romney Rally:
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/07/2012 16:07:41
Good call Bobber. We know how important proper spelling is the GOP base.
Mondobubba on 05/07/2012 16:07:41
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
to be fully-meme-compliant, that should be "what a looser"
Good call Bobber. We know how important proper spelling is the GOP base.
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 16:09:29
Raine on 05/07/2012 16:09:29
BTW, something else just occured to me -- why isn;t George allen showing up with Romney in Virginia?
Justa thought.
Justa thought.
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 16:14:32
Raine on 05/07/2012 16:14:32
Caption time!
Supporters of. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney react during a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire April 24, 2012. Romney launched his campaign as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and looked set to sweep five primaries on Tuesday, turning his attention to the November general election showdown against President Barack Obama and declaring "a better America begins tonight."
Comment by 
livingonli on 05/07/2012 16:17:15
livingonli on 05/07/2012 16:17:15
Good day, folks. I'm listening to Pap who is filling in for Ed while he is on the west coast and he is really going off on the insane things said at conservative websites. I don't think the right has ever been this divorced from reality. It's been like that I think since Gingrich's gang since power and got worse with the Bush years and now when they fell into opposition they seem to have completely divorce themselves from reality.
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 16:22:24
Oh, if Pap is filling, I am tuning in!
Raine on 05/07/2012 16:22:24
Quote by livingonli:
Good day, folks. I'm listening to Pap who is filling in for Ed while he is on the west coast and he is really going off on the insane things said at conservative websites. I don't think the right has ever been this divorced from reality. It's been like that I think since Gingrich's gang since power and got worse with the Bush years and now when they fell into opposition they seem to have completely divorce themselves from reality.
Comment by livingonli on 05/07/2012 16:27:10
livingonli on 05/07/2012 16:27:10
BTW, going back to Mala's point about how the seedings determine playoff positions in the NHL. The Western conference can show how you can have some surprises. The Los Angeles Kings went in as the eighth seed but in their playoff hunt knocked out the first-seed (and President's Trophy winner) Vancouver Canucks in 5 games and have just swept out the second-seed St. Louis Blues to advance to the Western Conference finals.
And on the work front, we were actually upset that the Knicks weren't swept because now we have more work on Wednesday night since we would be doing Game 5. I guess the only thing in that is that it avoided having LeBron and gang celebrating their defeat of the Knicks in the Garden.
And on the work front, we were actually upset that the Knicks weren't swept because now we have more work on Wednesday night since we would be doing Game 5. I guess the only thing in that is that it avoided having LeBron and gang celebrating their defeat of the Knicks in the Garden.
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 16:30:56
and *cough* the Caps knocked off the Bruins -- Weren't they the top seed in the playoffs?
Raine on 05/07/2012 16:30:56
Quote by livingonli:
BTW, going back to Mala's point about how the seedings determine playoff positions in the NHL. The Western conference can show how you can have some surprises. The Los Angeles Kings went in as the eighth seed but in their playoff hunt knocked out the first-seed (and President's Trophy winner) Vancouver Canucks in 5 games and have just swept out the second-seed St. Louis Blues to advance to the Western Conference finals.
And on the work front, we were actually upset that the Knicks weren't swept because now we have more work on Wednesday night since we would be doing Game 5. I guess the only thing in that is that it avoided having LeBron and gang celebrating their defeat of the Knicks in the Garden.
and *cough* the Caps knocked off the Bruins -- Weren't they the top seed in the playoffs?
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/07/2012 16:31:02
"Republican Alpha Male Makes Threatening Face at Rival"
Mondobubba on 05/07/2012 16:31:02
Quote by Raine:
Caption time!From reuters: Supporters of. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney react during a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire April 24, 2012. Romney launched his campaign as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and looked set to sweep five primaries on Tuesday, turning his attention to the November general election showdown against President Barack Obama and declaring "a better America begins tonight."
"Republican Alpha Male Makes Threatening Face at Rival"
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 16:34:57
Raine on 05/07/2012 16:34:57
Guys,I am on a photo roll today.
Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney holds a towel reading "I Am A Celtic" before Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference playoff basketball series between the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics in Boston, Massachusetts May 6, 2012.
Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney holds a towel reading "I Am A Celtic" before Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference playoff basketball series between the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics in Boston, Massachusetts May 6, 2012.
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 16:36:10
It's just a perfect face, my friend.
Raine on 05/07/2012 16:36:10
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Caption time!From reuters: Supporters of. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney react during a rally in Manchester, New Hampshire April 24, 2012. Romney launched his campaign as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee and looked set to sweep five primaries on Tuesday, turning his attention to the November general election showdown against President Barack Obama and declaring "a better America begins tonight."
"Republican Alpha Male Makes Threatening Face at Rival"
Comment by livingonli on 05/07/2012 16:36:17
Second. Rangers are the first.
livingonli on 05/07/2012 16:36:17
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
BTW, going back to Mala's point about how the seedings determine playoff positions in the NHL. The Western conference can show how you can have some surprises. The Los Angeles Kings went in as the eighth seed but in their playoff hunt knocked out the first-seed (and President's Trophy winner) Vancouver Canucks in 5 games and have just swept out the second-seed St. Louis Blues to advance to the Western Conference finals.
And on the work front, we were actually upset that the Knicks weren't swept because now we have more work on Wednesday night since we would be doing Game 5. I guess the only thing in that is that it avoided having LeBron and gang celebrating their defeat of the Knicks in the Garden.
and *cough* the Caps knocked off the Bruins -- Weren't they the top seed in the playoffs?
Second. Rangers are the first.
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 16:42:08
Ah, alright. I was under the impression that the Caps were the lowest seed in the playoffs,and that was why they played the Bruins. Do I at least have that correct?
Raine on 05/07/2012 16:42:08
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
BTW, going back to Mala's point about how the seedings determine playoff positions in the NHL. The Western conference can show how you can have some surprises. The Los Angeles Kings went in as the eighth seed but in their playoff hunt knocked out the first-seed (and President's Trophy winner) Vancouver Canucks in 5 games and have just swept out the second-seed St. Louis Blues to advance to the Western Conference finals.
And on the work front, we were actually upset that the Knicks weren't swept because now we have more work on Wednesday night since we would be doing Game 5. I guess the only thing in that is that it avoided having LeBron and gang celebrating their defeat of the Knicks in the Garden.
and *cough* the Caps knocked off the Bruins -- Weren't they the top seed in the playoffs?
Second. Rangers are the first.
Comment by Scoopster on 05/07/2012 16:43:07
OWWWW I just jammed the flag into my pole..
Scoopster on 05/07/2012 16:43:07
Quote by Raine:
Caption time!
OWWWW I just jammed the flag into my pole..
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 16:47:45
Raine on 05/07/2012 16:47:45
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
Caption time!
OWWWW I just jammed the flag into my pole..
Comment by BobR on 05/07/2012 16:51:31
Romney: "who let the dogs out?"
Confused man: "GRRRRRR"
BobR on 05/07/2012 16:51:31
Quote by Raine:
Caption time!From reuters:
Romney: "who let the dogs out?"
Confused man: "GRRRRRR"
Comment by livingonli on 05/07/2012 16:56:05
They got in as the seventh seed. They were slated to be eighth seed after Buffalo was eliminated but Ottawa lost the last few games going in knocking them to eighth and Washington got up to seventh. And just remember, they almost didn't make the playoffs as well.
livingonli on 05/07/2012 16:56:05
Quote by Raine:Ah, alright. I was under the impression that the Caps were the lowest seed in the playoffs,and that was why they played the Bruins. Do I at least have that correct?Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
BTW, going back to Mala's point about how the seedings determine playoff positions in the NHL. The Western conference can show how you can have some surprises. The Los Angeles Kings went in as the eighth seed but in their playoff hunt knocked out the first-seed (and President's Trophy winner) Vancouver Canucks in 5 games and have just swept out the second-seed St. Louis Blues to advance to the Western Conference finals.
And on the work front, we were actually upset that the Knicks weren't swept because now we have more work on Wednesday night since we would be doing Game 5. I guess the only thing in that is that it avoided having LeBron and gang celebrating their defeat of the Knicks in the Garden.
and *cough* the Caps knocked off the Bruins -- Weren't they the top seed in the playoffs?
Second. Rangers are the first.
They got in as the seventh seed. They were slated to be eighth seed after Buffalo was eliminated but Ottawa lost the last few games going in knocking them to eighth and Washington got up to seventh. And just remember, they almost didn't make the playoffs as well.
Comment by BobR on 05/07/2012 17:02:32
thought bubble: I sure hope this isn't used.
BobR on 05/07/2012 17:02:32
Quote by Raine:
thought bubble: I sure hope this isn't used.
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 17:22:48
FTW!
Raine on 05/07/2012 17:22:48
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
thought bubble: I sure hope this isn't used.
FTW!
Comment by Mondobubba on 05/07/2012 17:29:10
People use these? This isn't Egyptian Cotton.
Mondobubba on 05/07/2012 17:29:10
Quote by Raine:
Guys,I am on a photo roll today.
Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney holds a towel reading "I Am A Celtic" before Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference playoff basketball series between the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics in Boston, Massachusetts May 6, 2012.
People use these? This isn't Egyptian Cotton.
Comment by wickedpam on 05/07/2012 17:46:24
wickedpam on 05/07/2012 17:46:24
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 05/07/2012 19:18:42
trojanrabbit on 05/07/2012 19:18:42
An iconic NYC building gets a lighting update.
Spin, GOP, spin.
I'm sure stories are being told now about the billions of people who attended the Tea Bagger rally in DC, whereas only a few hundred (Kenyans) attended Obama's Inauguration.
Spin, GOP, spin.
I'm sure stories are being told now about the billions of people who attended the Tea Bagger rally in DC, whereas only a few hundred (Kenyans) attended Obama's Inauguration.
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 19:53:33
Were you a part of this project? This is really pretty cool,imo.
Raine on 05/07/2012 19:53:33
Quote by trojanrabbit:
An iconic NYC building gets a lighting update.
Were you a part of this project? This is really pretty cool,imo.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 05/07/2012 20:11:54
Inasmuch as that's the company I work for, our facility in Burlington is involved with all the design work and I was involved with EMC testing of the prototype fixtures (a standard product being updated with brighter LEDs)
It's not just the power savings, it's much longer life (unless you really overdrive an LED it lasts for 50K hours or more). And the ability to change colors quickly, the present lighting depends on colored filters in front of white lights.
trojanrabbit on 05/07/2012 20:11:54
Quote by Raine:Quote by trojanrabbit:
An iconic NYC building gets a lighting update.
Were you a part of this project? This is really pretty cool,imo.
Inasmuch as that's the company I work for, our facility in Burlington is involved with all the design work and I was involved with EMC testing of the prototype fixtures (a standard product being updated with brighter LEDs)
It's not just the power savings, it's much longer life (unless you really overdrive an LED it lasts for 50K hours or more). And the ability to change colors quickly, the present lighting depends on colored filters in front of white lights.
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 20:48:40
I read the article and saw your company mentioned. that's very very cool that you have worked on prototypes that are leading to this sort of energy saving.
The video at the link was interesting -- and it gave me vertigo... This just makes alot of sense.
Raine on 05/07/2012 20:48:40
Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by Raine:Quote by trojanrabbit:
An iconic NYC building gets a lighting update.
Were you a part of this project? This is really pretty cool,imo.
Inasmuch as that's the company I work for, our facility in Burlington is involved with all the design work and I was involved with EMC testing of the prototype fixtures (a standard product being updated with brighter LEDs)
It's not just the power savings, it's much longer life (unless you really overdrive an LED it lasts for 50K hours or more). And the ability to change colors quickly, the present lighting depends on colored filters in front of white lights.
The video at the link was interesting -- and it gave me vertigo... This just makes alot of sense.
Comment by Raine on 05/07/2012 22:25:43
Raine on 05/07/2012 22:25:43
Does anyone else know that Mitt Romney was arrested in 1991?
read this, from Buzzfeed.
THIS is why I dislike this man -- Really believes he is above what the regular people are supposed to adhere to.
read this, from Buzzfeed.
THIS is why I dislike this man -- Really believes he is above what the regular people are supposed to adhere to.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 05/07/2012 23:14:58
I could never do anything like the stuff in the video. Even small step ladders make me dizzy.
trojanrabbit on 05/07/2012 23:14:58
Quote by Raine:I read the article and saw your company mentioned. that's very very cool that you have worked on prototypes that are leading to this sort of energy saving.Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by Raine:Quote by trojanrabbit:
An iconic NYC building gets a lighting update.
Were you a part of this project? This is really pretty cool,imo.
Inasmuch as that's the company I work for, our facility in Burlington is involved with all the design work and I was involved with EMC testing of the prototype fixtures (a standard product being updated with brighter LEDs)
It's not just the power savings, it's much longer life (unless you really overdrive an LED it lasts for 50K hours or more). And the ability to change colors quickly, the present lighting depends on colored filters in front of white lights.
The video at the link was interesting -- and it gave me vertigo... This just makes alot of sense.
I could never do anything like the stuff in the video. Even small step ladders make me dizzy.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 05/08/2012 02:12:05
Will in Chicago on 05/08/2012 02:12:05
Hi, everyone! I hope that all is well.
In some good news, I am working a lot and job hunting. With any luck, I will get some calls for interviews in the next few weeks.
Now for the dilemma of the day. The Indiana primary is tomorrow and I am in NW Indiana. So, do I vote for a few Democrats locally or decide to cause chaos by trying to mess with Senator Dick Lugar and Mitt Romney in the primary?
In some good news, I am working a lot and job hunting. With any luck, I will get some calls for interviews in the next few weeks.
Now for the dilemma of the day. The Indiana primary is tomorrow and I am in NW Indiana. So, do I vote for a few Democrats locally or decide to cause chaos by trying to mess with Senator Dick Lugar and Mitt Romney in the primary?